Tie-free apron, and a method for its use

ABSTRACT

A tie-free apron includes a bib with a front, a back, top and bottom edges, first side and second side edges, the top edge to the bottom edge, two shoulder straps with a first end attached to the top edge of the bib and a second end, a back pad with a top edge attached to the second end of each of the two shoulder straps, first and second side edges, and a bottom edge, a first waist strap with a first end attached to the first side edge of the back patch and a second end attached to the first side edge of the bib using a first adjustable attachment, and a second waist strap with a first end attached to the second side edge of the back patch and a second end attached to the second edge of the bib using a second adjustable attachment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The device and methods disclosed herein relate generally to aprons, and particularly to adjustable, tie-less aprons.

BACKGROUND ART

In many situations where dirty, corrosive, or otherwise undesirable materials might fall on skin or clothing, it has long been customary to use aprons to ward those materials off. Light cloth aprons are commonly used for household chores such as gardening, cooking, and cleaning. Heavier aprons are typically employed for industrial and artisanal work where they can ward off chemicals, sparks, and flying debris. In all situations where they are used, aprons must be worn on the person, and getting in an out of an apron can be somewhat inconvenient. Aprons must settle comfortably on the body, and fit correctly to maximize both mobility and the aprons' effectiveness. The traditional solution to this is to provide one or more apron strings that may be tied together, simultaneously attaching the apron to the person and adjusting it to the required size. However, tying the apron strings can be clumsy, particularly for people whose dexterity is limited by such factors as age, inexperience, or hand protection.

Therefore, there remains a need for an apron that is easy to don and to adjust to a user's individual size.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is tie-free apron. The tie-free apron includes a bib having a front, a back, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge and second side edge connecting the top edge to the bottom edge. The tie-free apron includes two shoulder straps, each comprising a first end attached to the top edge of the bib and a second end. The tie-free apron includes a back pad having a top edge attached to the second end of each of the two shoulder straps, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge. The tie-free apron includes a first waist strap, the first waist strap having a first end attached to the first side edge of the back patch adjacent to the bottom edge of the back patch, and a second end attached to the first side edge of the bib using a first adjustable attachment. The tie-free apron includes a second waist strap, the second waist strap having a first end attached to the second side edge of the back patch adjacent to the bottom edge of the back patch, and a second end attached to the second edge of the bib using a second adjustable attachment.

In a related embodiment, the bib narrows near to the top edge of the bib, so that the top edge of the bib is narrower than the bottom edge of the bib, and so that each of the first side of the bib and the second side of the bib has a concave section adjacent to the top edge of the bib. In another embodiment, the first end of at least one shoulder strap further includes a fastener detachably attaching the first end to the top edge of the bib. In an additional embodiment, the back pad is substantially trapezoidal, the top edge of the back pad forming a larger base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad, and the bottom edge of the back pad forming a smaller base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad. In still another embodiment, at least one of the first adjustable attachment and the second adjustable attachment is attached to the bib using a detachable fastener. In yet another embodiment, the detachable fastener includes a clip. In another embodiment, each of the first adjustable attachment and second adjustable attachment further includes a double D-ring fastener.

Also disclosed is a method for wearing an apron. The method includes providing an apron as described above. The method includes donning the apron by passing a head between the two shoulder straps, passing one arm between the first side of the back pad and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the second side of the back pad and the second side of the bib. The method includes tightening the first waist strap. The method includes tightening the second waist strap.

In another aspect, a tie-free apron includes a bib comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge and second side edge connecting the top edge to the bottom edge. The tie-free apron includes a first shoulder strap having a first end attached to the top edge adjacent to the first edge, and a second end attached to the second edge using a first adjustable attachment. The tie-free apron includes a second shoulder strap having a first end attached to the top edge adjacent to the second edge, and a second end attached to the first edge using a first adjustable attachment, such that the second shoulder strap crosses the first shoulder strap. The tie-free apron includes a mutually slidable attachment connecting the second shoulder strap to the first shoulder strap where the second shoulder strap crosses the first shoulder strap.

In a related embodiment, the bib narrows near to the top edge of the bib, so that the top edge of the bib is narrower than the bottom edge of the bib, and so that each of the first side of the bib and the second side of the bib has a concave section adjacent to the top edge of the bib. In another embodiment, the mutually slidable attachment includes a longitudinal slit in the first shoulder strap, through which the second shoulder strap passes. In still another embodiment, the mutually slidable attachment includes a strap divider. In a further embodiment, at least one of the first end of the first shoulder strap and the first end of the second shoulder strap is attached to the top of the bib using a detachable fastener. In an additional embodiment, the detachable fastener includes a clip. In an additional embodiment, at least one of the first adjustable attachment and the second adjustable attachment is attached to the bib using a detachable fastener. In another embodiment, the fastener includes a clip. In still another embodiment, each of the first adjustable attachment and second adjustable attachment further comprises a double D-ring fastener.

Also disclosed is a method for wearing an apron. The method includes providing an apron as described above. The method includes donning the apron by passing a head between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, passing one arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the second side of the bib. The method includes tightening the first shoulder strap. The method includes tightening the second shoulder strap.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed device and method will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawing depiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the device and method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the device and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed device and method, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron;

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron;

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a mutually slidable attachment;

FIG. 1E is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron;

FIG. 1F is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a strap divider;

FIG. 1G is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a mutually slidable attachment using a strap divider;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a double D-ring fastener;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a double D-ring fastener with a strap passing through it;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a tension lock fastener;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a detachable fastener on one end of a shoulder strap;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a detachable fastener on one end of a waist strap;

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a detachable fastener on one end of a shoulder strap;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of the disclosed apron on a torso;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method for wearing an apron;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method for wearing an apron.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a child donning an embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron;

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating a child donning an embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron; and

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating a child donning an embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosed apron enable a user to put the apron on and adjust it to the user by adjusting straps of the apron around the waist without having to tie together strings or straps anywhere, either at neck or the waist. In some embodiments, this tie-free apron enables even the youngest or oldest of persons to wear an apron without requiring assistance. These aprons may be used by anyone for anything they see fit, including cooking, artwork, crafting, fashion, and yard work.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of the disclosed tie-free apron 100. In brief overview, the apron 100 includes a bib 101. The bib 101 has a front 102, a back 103, a top edge 104, a bottom edge 105, a first side edge 106, and a second side edge 107. The first side edge 106 and second side edge 107 connect the top edge 104 to the bottom edge 105. The apron 100 has two shoulder straps 108. Each shoulder strap 108 has a first end 109 and a second end 110. In some embodiments, the apron 100 includes a back pad 111. The back pad 111 may have a top edge 112, a bottom edge 113, a first side edge 114, and a second side edge 115. In some embodiments, the apron 100 includes a first waist strap 116 having a first end 117 attached to the first side edge 114 of the back pad 111, and a second end 118 attached to the first side edge 106 of the bib. The second end 118 may be attached to the first side edge 106 of the bib using a first adjustable attachment 119. The apron 100 may include a second waist strap 120 having a first end 121 attached to the second side edge 115 of the back pad 111, and a second end 123 attached to the second side edge 107 of the apron. The second waist strap 121 may be attached to the second side edge 107 of the bib using a second adjustable attachment 123.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1E, the shoulder straps 108 include a first shoulder strap 108 a, which passes behind the back 103 of the apron, with a first end 109 a attached to the top edge 104 of the apron, and a second end 110 a attached to the first side edge 106 of the apron using a first adjustable attachment 119. The shoulder straps 108 may include a second shoulder strap 108 b, which passes behind the back 103 of the apron, with a first end 109 b attached to the top edge 104 of the apron, and a second end 110 b attached to the second side edge 107 of the apron using a second adjustable attachment 123. In some embodiments, the first shoulder strap 108 a crosses the second shoulder strap 108 b. The apron 100 may include a mutually slidable attachment 124 connecting the second shoulder strap 108 b to the first shoulder strap 108 a where the second shoulder strap 108 b crosses the first shoulder strap 108 a.

Regarding FIGS. 1A-1B, in further detail, the apron 100 includes a bib 101. The bib 101 has a front 102, a back 103, a top edge 104, a bottom edge 105, a first side edge 106, and a second side edge 107. The first side edge 106 and second side edge 107 connect the top edge 104 to the bottom edge 105. The bib 101 may be composed of a single material or of a combination of materials. In some embodiments, the bib 101 is composed at least in part of leather. In other embodiments, the bib 101 is composed at least in part of a textile. The textile may include animal or plant fibers; for instance, the textile may be composed at least in part of felted wool. The textile may be composed at least in part of cotton. The textile may be composed at least in part of canvas. The textile may be composed at least in part of rayon. The textile may be composed at least in part of linen. The textile may be composed at least in part of hemp. The textile may be composed at least in part of Manila hemp. The textile may be composed at least in part of silk. In some embodiments, materials composing the textile including synthetic polymer materials, such as nylon. The textile may be composed at least in part of polypropylene. The textile may be composed at least in part of polyester. The textile may be composed at least in part of poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The textile may be composed at least in part of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The textile may be composed at least in part of a natural polymer, such as rubber. In some embodiments, the bib 101 is composed at least in part of a polymer in sheet form. The polymer may include nylon. The polymer may include polypropylene. The polymer may include polyester. The polymer may include poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The polymer may include ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The polymer may include a flexible plastic. The polymer may include a natural polymer, such as rubber.

The bib 101 may be composed at least in part of water-proof material. The bib 101 may be composed at least in part of water-resistant material. The bib 101 may be composed at least in part of stain-proof material. The bib 101 may be composed at least in part of stain-resistant material. In some embodiments, the bib 101 is composed of a combination of elements; for instance, the bib 101 may be composed of multiple layers of different polymer sheets. The bib 101 may have a first layer of textile material coated with a second layer of water-resistant or stain-resistant material. In some embodiments, the bib 101 is composed at least in part of one or more rigid plates; the one or more rigid plates may be embedded in flexible material. The one or more rigid plates may be attached to the front 102 of the apron, protecting the flexible material. The one or more rigid plates may be joined directly to each other by flexible joints. The one or more rigid plates may be positioned to protect vital organs or sensitive body parts. The one or more rigid plates may be constructed of any rigid material, such as metal, wood, resin, rigid polymers, fiberglass, or ceramic. In some embodiments, the bib 101 has one or more thickened sections; for instance, the bib 101 may have additional layers of textile, polymer sheeting, or padding in certain areas to protect vital organs or sensitive body parts.

In some embodiments, the bib 101 narrows near to the top edge 104 of the bib, so that the top edge 104 of the bib is narrower than the bottom edge 105 of the bib. The narrowing may be accomplished by concave sections 125 in the first side of the bib and the second side of the bib 101 adjacent to the top edge 104 of the bib. The bib 101 may include one or more additional belts 102 a for hanging tools or towels. The additional belts 102 a may be attached to the front 102 of the bib; for instance, the additional belts 102 a may be sewn onto the front of the bib 102. The additional belts 102 a may be attached to the back 103 of the bib. The bib 101 may include one or more pockets 102 b for a user to store objects, such as tools. The one or more pockets 102 b may be sewn to the front of the bib 102. The one or more pockets 102 b may be sewn to the back 103 of the bib. The bib 101 may include other storage features, such as loops, hooks, or fasteners (not shown) for attaching various items. The top edge 104, bottom edge 105, first side edge 106 and second side edge 107 of the bib may have seams (not shown), or be cauterized or folded over, to prevent fraying. The front 102 or back 103 of the bib may have patterns, such as printed, woven, or embroidered decorative patterns.

The apron 100 has two shoulder straps 108. Each shoulder strap 108 has a first end 109 and a second end 110. The shoulder straps 108 may be composed of any material that is flexible and possesses sufficient tensile strength. The shoulder straps 108 may be composed of any material suitable for the composition of the bib 101. The shoulder straps 108 may be leather. The shoulder straps 108 may be rubber. The shoulder straps 108 may be composed of a flexible polymer. The shoulder straps 108 may be composed of natural textile. The shoulder straps 108 may be composed of a synthetic textile. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 108 are composed of flat webbing. In other embodiments, the straps 105 are composed of tubular webbing. The shoulder straps 108 may be formed like a rope or string. The shoulder straps 108 may be formed like any belt; for instance, the shoulder straps may be braided. The shoulder straps 108 may include padding; the padding may be any suitable material, including natural or artificial fibrous material, textile material, open or closed-cell foam. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 108 run vertically from top edge 104 at the corners between the top edge 104 and the first side edge 106 and second side edge 107. Both shoulder straps 108 may have the same length and width as each other.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first end of at least one shoulder strap 108 a, 108 b further includes a fastener 301 detachably attaching the first end 110 a, 110 b of the shoulder strap to the top edge 104 of the bib. In some embodiments, the fastener 301 is a snap. In some embodiments, fastener 301 is a hook-and-loop fastener. In some embodiments, fastener 301 is a button. In some embodiments, fastener 301 is a buckle. The fastener 301 may be a cam buckle. The fastener 301 may be a spring buckle. The fastener 301 may be a slide release buckle. The fastener 301 may be a double-loop frame style buckle. The fastener 301 may be a single-loop frame style buckle. The fastener 301 may be a prong frame-style buckle. The fastener 301 may be a plate buckle. The fastener 301 may be a box-out buckle. The fastener 301 may be a clip buckle. The fastener 301 may be a snap buckle. The fastener 301 is a hook-and-eye fastener in some embodiments. The fastener 301 may be a clasp. The fastener 301 may be a tension lock. The fastener 301 may be a ladder lock. In some embodiments, the fastener 301 is a clip; the fastener 301 may be a suspender clip. The fastener 301 may be adjustable, giving the shoulder strap 108 a, 108 b an adjustable length; the adjustable fastener 301 may be any adjustable fastener as described below in further detail. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, the second end 110 of each of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap includes a fastener that is detachably attached to the bib 101.

In some embodiments, the apron 100 includes a back pad 111. The back pad 111 may have a top edge 112, a bottom edge 113, a first side edge 114, and a second side edge 115. In some embodiments, the back pad is substantially trapezoidal, the top edge of the back pad forming the larger base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad, and the bottom edge of the back pad forming the smaller base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad; the first side edge 114 and second side edge 115 may form the legs of the substantially trapezoidal back pad. In some embodiments, the outer edges of the shoulder straps 108 a, 108 b are generally aligned to the same angled direction as the first side edge 114 and second side edge 115. The back pad 111 may be composed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the bib 101 or the shoulder straps 108 a, 108 b, including flexible materials such as cloth, leather or plastic.

In some embodiments, the apron 100 includes a first waist strap 116 having a first end 117 attached to the first side edge 114 of the back pad 111, and a second end 118 attached to the first side edge 106 of the bib. The second end 118 of the first waist strap 116 may be attached to the first side edge 106 of the bib using a first adjustable attachment 119. The apron 100 may include a second waist strap 120 having a first end 121 attached to the second side edge 115 of the back pad 111, and a second end 122 attached to the second side edge 107 of the apron. The second end 122 of the second waist strap 120 may be attached to the second side edge 107 of the bib using a second adjustable attachment 123. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the first attachment 119 is a double D-ring 201. A strap 202 may be attached to the double D-ring 201 by passing the strap 202 through both rings in the double D-ring 201, and then passing the strap 202 back through only one ring in the double D-ring 201; the resulting friction prevents the strap from sliding through the double D-ring 201 when under tension, while allowing the strap 202 to be tightened by pulling on the slack end 203 of the strap 202, and to be loosed by pulling on the double B-ring 201 itself. The second adjustable attachment 123 may be a double D-ring. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first adjustable attachment 119, the second adjustable attachment 119, or both is a tension lock 204. A strap may be attached to the tension lock 204 by passing the strap under the tab 205, over the first bar 206, around the second bar 207, back over the first bar 206, and back under the tab 205; the strap may be tightened by pulling on the slack end of the strap, or loosened by lifting the tab 205. In other embodiments, another adjustable fastener is used, such as a tri glide, a cord lock, a double loop buckle, or a ladder lock. The adjustable attachments 119, 123 may be fixed to the edges of the bib, with the first waist strap 116 and second waist strap 120 threaded through them; alternatively, the first adjustable attachment 119 may be fixed to the first waist strap 116 and the second adjustable attachment 123 may be fixed to the second waist strap 120. Each adjustable attachment may then be attached to a side edge of the bib 101 by an additional strap that threads through the adjustable attachment, so that tightening the waist straps involves tightening those additional straps.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, at least one of the first adjustable attachment 119 and the second adjustable attachment 123 is attached to the bib 121 using a detachable fastener 302; in some embodiments, the first adjustable attachment 119 is attached to the first side edge 106 of the bib 101 using the detachable fastener 302, and the second adjustable attachment 123 is permanently fixed, for instance by sewing, to the second side edge 107 of the bib 101. In other embodiments, the second adjustable attachment 123 is attached to the second side edge 123 of the bib 101 using the detachable fastener 302, and the first adjustable attachment 119 is permanently fixed, for instance by sewing, to the first side edge 106 of the bib 101. The fastener 302 may be any fastener 301 as described above in reference to FIG. 2A. Each waist strap may be constructed as described above for shoulder straps 108 in reference to FIG. 1A.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1E, the shoulder straps 108 include a first shoulder strap 108 a, which passes behind the back 103 of the apron, with a first end 109 a attached to the top edge 104 of the apron, and a second end 110 a attached to the first side edge 106 of the apron using a first adjustable attachment 119. The first adjustable attachment 119 may be an adjustable attachment as disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 1A-3C. The first adjustable attachment 119 may be attached to the first side 106 of the apron using a detachable fastener 302, as shown in FIG. 3C. The detachable fastener 302 may be any detachable fastener as disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. The shoulder straps 108 may include a second shoulder strap 108 b, which passes behind the back 103 of the apron, with a first end 109 b attached to the top edge 104 of the apron, and a second end 110 b attached to the second side edge 107 of the apron using a second adjustable attachment 123 as disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 1A-3C. The second adjustable attachment 123 may be attached to the second side 107 of the apron using a detachable fastener 302, as shown in FIG. 3C. The detachable fastener 302 may be any detachable fastener as disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. In some embodiments, the second shoulder strap 108 b crosses the first shoulder strap 108 a. The apron 100 may include a mutually slidable attachment 124 connecting the second shoulder strap 108 b to the first shoulder strap 108 a where the second shoulder strap 108 b crosses the first shoulder strap 108 a. In one embodiment, a mutually slidable attachment is an attachment that holds the first shoulder strap 108 a and the second shoulder strap 108 b together where they cross each other, while allowing each strap to slide through the attachment, relative to the other strap. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the mutually slidable attachment 124 includes a longitudinal slit in the first shoulder strap 108 a, through which the second shoulder strap 108 b passes. In one embodiment, a longitudinal slit is a slit that runs parallel to the sides of the first shoulder strap 108 a. In some embodiments, the second shoulder strap 108 b passes through the slit 126; as a result, the second shoulder strap 108 b may slide along its length through the point where the two straps intersect by being pulled through the slit 126 in one direction or another. Likewise, the first shoulder strap 108 a is free to slide through the point of intersection by causing the second shoulder strap 108 b to travel from one end of the slit 126 to the other.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1E-1G, the mutually slidable attachment 124 includes a strap divider 127. In one embodiment, a strap divider 127 is a rigid element that has three openings 128 that form acute angles with each other, describing a substantially triangular array, where each of the three openings covers most of one side of a roughly triangular figure. The outer perimeter of the strap divider may be triangular in profile as well; in other embodiments, the outer perimeter is not triangular. Each of the shoulder straps 108 a, 108 b passes through one opening alone, and the two of them pass through the third opening at or near to the line marking the vertical center of their intersection. The first shoulder strap 108 a is free to slide back and forth through the strap divider 127. The second shoulder strap 108 b is also free to slide back and forth through the strap divider 127.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method 500 for putting on a tie-free apron. The method 500 includes providing an apron as described above in reference to FIGS. 1A-1B (501). The method 500 includes donning the apron by passing a head between the two shoulder straps, passing one arm between the first side of the back pad and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the second side of the back pad and the second side of the bib (502). The method 500 includes tightening the first waist strap (503). The method 500 includes tightening the second waist strap (504). FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the apron 100 as worn on the torso of a user, with the waist straps 116, 121 tightened. The back pad 111 rests against the middle and lower back.

Referring to FIG. 5 in further detail, and by reference to FIGS. 1A-4, the method 500 includes providing an apron as described above in reference to FIGS. 1A-1B (501). The user of the apron may loosen the first waist strap 116 by adjusting the first adjustable attachment 119; for instance, where the adjustable attachment 119 is a double D-ring or a tension lock, the user may take hold of the adjustable attachment 119 and pull it away from the back pad 111, causing the first waist strap to loosen. The user of the apron 100 may loosen the second waist strap 120 by a similar process.

The method 500 includes donning the apron by passing a head between the two shoulder straps, passing one arm between the first side of the back pad and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the second side of the back pad and the second side of the bib (502). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A, the user slips the apron on in a similar manner to that used for donning a T-shirt. In other embodiments, where the first adjustable attachment 119 is attached to the first side edge 106 by a detachable fastener 302, donning the apron further comprises detaching the detachable fastener 302 from the first side edge 106, passing the head between the two shoulder straps, passing an arm between the second side edge 115 of the back pad 111 and the second side edge 107 of the bib 101, and reattaching the detachable fastener 302; the fastener 302 may be reattached so that the first waist strap 116, second waist strap 120, back pad 111, and bib 101 encircle the waist of the user. In other embodiments, where the second adjustable attachment 123 is attached to the second side edge 107 by a detachable fastener 302, donning the apron further includes detaching the detachable fastener 302 from the second side edge 107, passing the head between the two shoulder straps, passing an arm between the first side edge 114 of the back pad 111 and the first side edge 106 of the bib 101, and reattaching the detachable fastener 302; the fastener 302 may be reattached so that the first waist strap 116, second waist strap 120, back pad 111, and bib 101 encircle the waist of the user.

In embodiments where one shoulder strap is attached to the top edge 104 of the bib 101 via a detachable fastener 301, the user may pass the user's head between the shoulder straps by detaching the detachable fastener from the top edge 104 of the bib 101, placing the neck next to the non-detached strap, and then reattaching the fastener 301 so that the neck of the user is now between the two shoulder straps. Where the shoulder strap attached via the detachable fastener 301 is on the same side of the apron as a waist strap attached to the bib 101 via a detachable fastener 302, the user may detach both the shoulder strap fastener 301 and waist strap fastener 302, donning the apron by sliding an arm under the non-detached shoulder strap and over the non-detached waist strap, as disclosed above, and then fastening the shoulder strap and fastening the waist strap with the user's neck and arms in the positions described above relative to the apron.

The method 500 includes tightening the first waist strap (503). The method 500 includes tightening the second waist strap (504). In some embodiments, the user tightens both the second waist strap 120 and the first waist strap 116 simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 7B. In other embodiments, the user tightens the first waist strap 116 first, and then tightens the second waist strap 120. In additional embodiments, the user tightens the second waist strap 120, and then the first waist strap 116. The user may loosen the first waist strap 116 and second waist strap 120; the user may loosen the waist straps by pulling on the first adjustable attachment 119 and second adjustable attachment 123, as shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method 600 for putting on a tie-free apron. The method 600 includes providing an apron as described above in reference to FIGS. 1C-1F (601). The method 600 includes donning the apron by passing a head between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, passing one arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the second side of the bib (602). The method 600 includes tightening the first shoulder strap (603). The method includes tightening the second shoulder strap (604).

Referring to FIG. 6 in further detail, and by reference to FIGS. 1A-4, the method 600 includes providing an apron as described above in reference to FIGS. 1C-1F (601). In some embodiments, the user loosens the first detachable attachment 119, the second detachable attachment 123, or both, as disclosed above in reference to FIG. 5.

The method 600 includes donning the apron by passing a head between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, passing one arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the second side of the bib (602). In embodiments in which the adjustable attachment at the second end 110 of either shoulder strap is attached to the edge of the bib 101 via a detachable fastener 302, the user may detach the detachable fastener 302, don the apron 100, and then reattach the fastener 302, using the process described above for FIG. 5. Likewise, where one shoulder strap 108 has a first end attached to the top edge of the bib 104 by a detachable fastener 301, the user may detach the fastener 301 prior to donning the apron 100 and reattach it after donning the apron 100, as described above in reference to FIG. 5. In embodiments where the first end 109 of one shoulder strap has a detachable fastener 301 and the adjustable attachment at the second end 110 of the other shoulder strap has a detachable fastener 302, the user may detach both fasteners 301, 302, don the apron 100, and then reattach both fasteners 301, 302, as disclosed above in reference to FIG. 5.

The method 600 includes tightening the first shoulder strap (603). The method includes tightening the second shoulder strap (604). In some embodiments, the user tightens both the second shoulder strap 110 b and the first shoulder strap 110 a simultaneously. In other embodiments, the user tightens the first shoulder strap 110 a first, and then tightens the second shoulder strap 110 b. In additional embodiments, the user tightens the second shoulder strap 110 b, and then the first shoulder strap 110 a. The user may loosen the first shoulder strap 110 a and second shoulder strap 110 b; the user may loosen the shoulder straps by pulling on the first adjustable attachment 119 and second adjustable attachment 123.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tie-free apron comprising: a bib comprising a front, a back, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge and second side edge connecting the top edge to the bottom edge; two shoulder straps, each comprising a first end attached to the top edge of the bib and a second end; a back pad having a top edge attached to the second end of each of the two shoulder straps, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge; a first waist strap, the first waist strap having a first end attached to the first side edge of the back patch adjacent to the bottom edge of the back patch, and a second end attached to the first side edge of the bib using a first adjustable attachment; and a second waist strap, the second waist strap having a first end attached to the second side edge of the back patch adjacent to the bottom edge of the back patch, and a second end attached to the second edge of the bib using a second adjustable attachment.
 2. An apron according to claim 1, wherein the bib narrows near to the top edge of the bib, so that the top edge of the bib is narrower than the bottom edge of the bib, and so that each of the first side of the bib and the second side of the bib has a concave section adjacent to the top edge of the bib.
 3. An apron according to claim 1, wherein the first end of at least one shoulder strap further comprises a fastener detachably attaching the first end to the top edge of the bib.
 4. An apron according to claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a clip.
 5. An apron according to claim 1, wherein the back pad is substantially trapezoidal, the top edge of the back pad forming a larger base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad, and the bottom edge of the back pad forming a smaller base of the substantially trapezoidal back pad.
 6. An apron according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first adjustable attachment and the second adjustable attachment is attached to the bib using a detachable fastener.
 7. An apron according to claim 6, wherein the detachable fastener comprises a clip.
 8. An apron according to claim 1, wherein each of the first adjustable attachment and second adjustable attachment further comprises a double D-ring fastener.
 9. A method for wearing an apron, the method comprising: providing an apron according to claim 1; donning the apron by passing a head between the two shoulder straps, passing one arm between the first side of the back pad and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the second side of the back pad and the second side of the bib; tightening the first waist strap; and tightening the second waist strap.
 10. A tie-free apron comprising: a bib comprising a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge and second side edge connecting the top edge to the bottom edge; a first shoulder strap having a first end attached to the top edge adjacent to the first edge, and a second end attached to the second edge using a first adjustable attachment; a second shoulder strap having a first end attached to the top edge adjacent to the second edge, and a second end attached to the first edge using a first adjustable attachment, such that the second shoulder strap crosses the first shoulder strap; and a mutually slidable attachment connecting the second shoulder strap to the first shoulder strap where the second shoulder strap crosses the first shoulder strap.
 11. An apron according to claim 10, wherein the bib narrows near to the top edge of the bib, so that the top edge of the bib is narrower than the bottom edge of the bib, and so that each of the first side of the bib and the second side of the bib has a concave section adjacent to the top edge of the bib.
 12. A tie-free apron according to claim 10, wherein the mutually slidable attachment comprises a longitudinal slit in the first shoulder strap, through which the second shoulder strap passes.
 13. A tie-free apron according to claim 10, wherein the mutually slidable attachment comprises a strap divider.
 14. A tie-free apron according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first end of the first shoulder strap and the first end of the second shoulder strap is attached to the top of the bib using a detachable fastener.
 15. A tie-free apron according to claim 14, wherein the detachable fastener comprises a clip.
 16. A tie-free apron according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first adjustable attachment and the second adjustable attachment is attached to the bib using a detachable fastener.
 17. A tie-free apron according to claim 16, wherein the fastener comprises a clip.
 18. An apron according to claim 10, wherein each of the first adjustable attachment and second adjustable attachment further comprises a double D-ring fastener.
 19. A method for wearing an apron, the method comprising: providing an apron according to claim 10; donning the apron by passing a head between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, passing one arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the first side of the bib, and passing another arm between the mutually slidable attachment and the second side of the bib; tightening the first shoulder strap; and tightening the second shoulder strap. 